Busy Mom Cooking Essentials: My Go-To Kitchen Must-Haves Leave a comment

Hey there, fellow busy moms! If your kitchen feels more like a chaotic episode of a cooking show with tiny judges (a.k.a. our kids) constantly demanding snacks, then you’re in the right place. As a mom of three, I practically live in my kitchen. Whether I’m prepping meals, making endless snacks, or cleaning up the aftermath, I spend a lot of time here—so I need tools that make my life easier!

So, grab your coffee (because, let’s be real, we need it), and let’s dive into my must-have kitchen tools that help me whip up meals in a flash.

(P.S. This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links. Thanks for supporting this busy mama!)

1. Instant Pot – My Dinner Saver!

If there’s one kitchen gadget I swear by, it’s my Instant Pot. This magical appliance does it all—pressure cooks, slow cooks, sautés, steams, and even makes yogurt (not that I’ve tried that part yet). I can throw in some frozen chicken, dump in a sauce, press a button, and voilà—dinner is ready in 20 minutes. It’s my lifesaver on those hectic evenings when everyone is hungry and I’m short on time.

🔗 Check out my favorite Instant Pot here!

2. Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, 8-1 – Because Kids Love Crispy Everything

I don’t have time to stand over a stove frying food, and thanks to my air fryer, I don’t have to. Whether it’s crispy chicken tenders, fries, or even roasted veggies, this bad boy makes everything delicious without all the oil. It’s a lifesaver for picky eaters who only like their food “crunchy.” Trust me, when I say I use this daily, I mean it—I literally don’t put it away.

🔗 Here’s the air fryer I use daily!

3. Adjustable Measuring Spoons – No More Drawer Clutter

I used to have a million measuring spoons tangled up in my drawer until I found these genius adjustable measuring spoons. Now, I only need one for wet ingredients and one for dry, and I can slide them to measure anything. Small wins like this make a huge difference when you’re cooking multiple meals a day.

🔗 Grab these space-saving measuring spoons!

4. Silicone Baking Mats – Because Scrubbing Pans Is a No-Go

Baking and roasting just got so much easier with silicone baking mats. I don’t have to deal with food sticking to my pans anymore (yay for less scrubbing), and they save money on parchment paper. I bake cookies, roast veggies, and even make sheet pan dinners on these mats multiple times a week!

🔗 Get these life-changing silicone baking mats!

5. Mini Food Chopper – Bye-Bye, Onion Tears!

Chopping onions, garlic, and veggies takes time—unless you have a mini food chopper. This little gadget saves me so much effort (and tears) by chopping everything in seconds. My three-year-old even calls it “mommy’s magic button.” Since I cook so much, this tool seriously cuts down my prep time.

🔗 This mini chopper will be your new best friend!

6. Silicone Cooking Utensils – No More Scratched Pans!

I switched to silicone cooking utensils, and I’ll never go back. They don’t scratch my nonstick pans, they’re heat-resistant, and they don’t get all gross and melted like plastic ones. They make stirring, flipping, and mixing so much easier—plus, they come in cute colors to match my kitchen aesthetic!

🔗 Upgrade your utensils with this silicone set!

7. KitchenAid Mixer with Cheese Shredder – My Meal Prep MVP

I love baking, but my KitchenAid mixer isn’t just for sweets—it’s a meal prep powerhouse! The cheese shredder attachment is a total game-changer. No more manually grating cheese (which, let’s be honest, is the worst). I just pop in a block of cheese, and it’s shredded in seconds. Perfect for homemade pizzas, casseroles, and taco nights!

🔗 Here’s my go-to KitchenAid with the cheese shredder!

8. Electric Can Opener – Because I’m Done Struggling

I don’t know why, but traditional can openers never work for me. So I upgraded to a mechanical can opener that does the job effortlessly. No more cranking and struggling—just place the can, press the button, and let it do its thing. Trust me, this is one of those little things that makes a big difference when you’re in the kitchen a lot.

🔗 This Electric can opener is a total game-changer!

9. Stainless Steel Divided Plates – Less Mess, Less Complaints

My kids love compartment plates because their food “doesn’t touch” (cue dramatic music). I love them because they’re stainless steel, durable, and dishwasher-safe. Since I serve meals on these plates daily, they save me from a million extra dishes.

🔗 These kid-friendly plates are a lifesaver!

10. Coffee Frother – Instant Iced Coffee in Seconds

I don’t have time for complicated coffee-making in the morning, so my coffee frother is my secret weapon for instant iced coffee. I just mix some cold brew concentrate (or instant coffee), add milk, and froth it up for a creamy, café-style drink in seconds. It makes my morning coffee routine effortless—and let’s be real, caffeine is a non-negotiable in mom life.

🔗 This coffee frother is a total game-changer!

Final Thoughts – Cooking Can Be Fun (Really!)

When you spend as much time in the kitchen as I do, you need tools that make life easier, save time, and keep you sane. These kitchen must-haves have saved me so much effort and frustration, making family meals way easier. I hope they help you, too!

What’s your favorite kitchen gadget? Let’s share mom hacks in the comments!

💡 Don’t forget to check out my Amazon links above for these mom-approved kitchen essentials! Happy cooking, busy moms! 💕